My Heart Remembers Differently

SECRET SOCIETY

I sat still as Professor Tonks considered me for a long, silent moment before she spoke.  Instead of the cool, stylish young professor, I suddenly saw a passionate young witch with purpose shining in her eyes.  Something deep inside me recognized that look.  This was the reason I had Obliviated my parents.  Purpose had won over personal feelings.  This was the reason I had packed my life in an extending handbag to make sure that Harry, Ron and I would have a plan to live during the war. 

I don't know what changed inside of me.  I haven't felt that purpose for a long time.  Only an ache in the region of my heart that has no reason for existing that I can recall.  I realize that the plans I have made for my future were safe.  Safety was something that I had always thought most important until I had grabbed hands with Harry and Ron and disaperated into the busy streets of London when the ministry had fallen and Voldemort had taken over.

"You cannot speak of what I am about to tell you, Hermione.  I know you will need to think about it, but I am the only one here to trust with talking about the information I about to share with you."  Professor Tonks said.  She stood up and walked around her desk and with a wave of her wand a comfy couch had replaced it and the uncomfortable chair I was sitting in was a soft, cushiony arm chair.  She sat down on the couch, but stayed on the edge, her elbows resting on her knees.  "Am I clear?"  I took a deep breath, exhaled and then nodded. 

"The only evil that anyone has heard about in the Wizarding World over the last twenty years has been Voldemort.  He did hold the upper hand, but he is not the only evil that wants to wipe out the existence of Muggle born, half bloods, and control the wizarding world.  The other dark lords work more quietly not wanting the fame that Voldemort seemed to aspire for.  There are other facets of evil that I won't share just yet, but know this, Hermione.  The war is never over.  Our existence lies in the hands of incompetent political powers and the richer wizards that line the pockets of the minister's cabinet.  Every ministry of magic is corrupt in their own way.  They all work under the guise of "For the people" but, in fact some of the ministries actually embrace the "For the Greater Good" theory as how they secretly run their little bit of the magical kingdom."  She informed me.

"What hope do we have if the powers that be are corrupt and ruled by greed?"  I asked feeling a little nauseous at the thought.  Professor Tonks sat back on the couch and studied me.

"There is a network of Aurors and rebels that are part of a, uhm, secret society.  We actually work for a higher up official in the international Ministry of Magic that is the only trustworthy politician I have ever met.  A group of us are doing all we can to expose these crooked politicians and fighting the war.  Also, we are trying to educate the wizarding world that this exists.  The sad thing is after the war here, no one wants to think about there being more evil in the world."  She said.  I could understand that.  The war had taken its toll on a lot of people.  The feeling of victory had caused many to breathe a little easier and to begin to trust the rebuilding of the Wizarding World to the newly formed ministry.  No one wanted to believe that what had happened the past year was still ongoing.  Ignorance was bliss, they said.  I still remember Minister of Magic Fudge doing everything he could to discredit Harry and Dumbledore when they said that Voldemort had returned a few years ago.

"What does all of this have to do with me?"  I asked realizing that I wanted to hear more. 

"We need more Aurors on the ground and in the offices.  Minister Shacklebolt and others of the original Order of the Phoenix have been a part of this fight for years.  Having Shacklebolt in the position he is in is one of our biggest, yet quiet, victories.  Recruiters, like me, have worked in the society since I was in my sixth year.  My mother was part of it and she gave me the chance to fight or to become the wife of a prominent family whose son I was dating.  I chose to fight.  It wasn't true love, anyway."  She said crossing her arms. 

"Why me?"  I asked.

"Do you really have to ask, Hermione?  You are the best witch Hogwarts has at learning spells and you are part of the Golden Trio that defeated Voldemort.  Harry Potter has often told reporters and given reports that Voldemort would not be dead had it not been for your brilliant mind.  I have been commissioned to teach you, if you will agree to join the fight.  There are spells that schools would never teach you and they are much stronger than the Forbidden Curses, Hermione.  Did you know that there are counter-curses for all of them except for the Killing Curse?"  She smiled.  My interest perked.

"Is there a counter-curse to the Obliviation curse?"  I asked almost in a whisper.  Her eyes bore into mine.

"Your parents were a casualty of your own war, Hermione.  They are happy and living in Australia."  Professor Tonks offered.  I felt tears burn in my eyes.  They were safe and not lost.  "Do you really want them to be a part of your life, again?  No matter what you choose to do, there are Death Eaters that will target you.  No matter how many Aurors search, these dark wizards and witches are like rats.  They multiply and scurry into holes in the ground.  Yes.  I know how to undo Obliviate.  I will teach you how, but think long and hard about your need for your parents and the safety of their lives.  Personally, I believe your first instinct was the best."  She said softly.

"What about Harry and Ron?"  I asked.  She gave me a questioning look.  "Has this "secret society" approached them?"  I asked.

"Ron is a decent wizard, but more interested in the fame he gets from being part of the Golden Trio.  As for Harry, well, I can't say for sure."  She frowned.  "I do know that Harry works very closely with Shacklebolt and has gone on several raids since the war was over.  Is he even aware of our existence?  That information may be above my payroll for me to talk about."  She told me.  I nodded understanding that she didn't have answers to all of my questions or was not at liberty to say.  "I am not going to try to talk you into anything, Hermione.  I do think you are a perfect fit and I am sure you would be an asset in many ways.  This is not an easy life."  She said with a shrug.

"I would like to think about it and to know more of what is required of me."  I tell her. 

"How about I show you?"  She asked with a mischievous grin.  

"What do you mean?"  I asked with some confusion.

"On Hallows Eve, instead of the great feast come with me on a mission.  I will get permission from McGonagall."  She said.  "Of course, you are no longer a minor, Hermione.  You don't really need anyone's permission anymore.  It is more of a gesture of respect to ask McGonagall's permission."  Professor Tonks said.  "Just think about it.  Let me know after class tomorrow."  She offered.

I am only keeping myself from answering her because I am Hermione Granger and I need to weigh my options.  So, I agree to think about it for the next twenty-four hours.

"I will see you in the morning.  Remember, this is between us."  She said.  I nodded and stood.  With a wave of her wand, her office once more looked like an office and she was sitting behind her desk.  "I think there is a third year quaking in the classroom, Granger.  Would you mind sending her in?"  She asked with a devious smile.  I inclined my head trying not to giggle when she rubbed her hands together like she was excited about the detention she had planned.

I made my way out of the office and explained to the pale, indeed quaking, Slytherin girl that Professor Tonks would see her now.  

The halls were empty and I realized that evening meal had probably began.  I am hungry.  I hurry to the great hall and find an empty spot at a table in the corner of the room away from everyone.  Everyone like Ron, Harry, Ginny and the rest of the people I had one time considered my close friends. 

"You are being unfair, Harry!"  I looked up from the plate of food I had just served myself and noticed that Ginny's face was red with anger.  Harry's face looked stoic.  Stubborn.  I looked back down at my food and decided to ignore it. 

Until I couldn't.